Support boots for turning out in that don't create heat in the leg?e

[nelliefinellie]

As the title says really, horse has injured fetlock, currently turning out for short periods in tiny paddock in SMB boots but these are creating heat in legs, so looking for alternatives for when he can be out longer. Any suggestions?

 

[RachelB]

I am in a very similar position, my horse 'damaged' her fetlock (don't know how or where, but treatment seems to be working) and has been on box rest for four weeks, out in a small pen for an hour or so a day. I have some SMBs for her but they feel very hot and heavy, so I bought seom Equilibrium Flex & Stretch Training Wraps and they are fab. Lovely and elastic-y, very supportive, and they are made with very breathable material (you can actually see the tiny holes from the inside, but not from the outside). They seem very tough too for what they are. Would highly reccommend them especially in our cases with injuries to contend with. I also believe that Equilibrium make their turnout chaps in the same material so they should be fine for proper turnout too.

 

[nelliefinellie]

Thanks - will look at these. Don't really like turning out with anything on legs in summerbut ground is rock hard already

 

[brightmount]

I have used both SMBs and Equilibrium Turnout chaps, and I agree with Simarillion, that Equichaps are breathable and probably your better bet as the weather gets warmer. They don't offer anything in the way of support though, only protection from knocks really, and they are more prone to slip than SMBs. Summer is a tricky one isn't it?

 

[RachelB]

The Equilbrium Wraps (as opposed to the Turnout Chaps) do offer support though as well, and are padded in the right places to offer some protection (although not as much as SMBs as they are far more "lightweight"). Neither my SMBs or my Equilibrium Wraps have ever moved on my horse (although she hasn't been "properly" turned out with them on).

 

[CJ1]

Equilibrium are doing sunprotection boots for legs now, these maybe very lightweight?

 

[brightmount]

Sorry Silmarillion, I was thinking of the flatwork chaps, but the training chaps do offer support as they have a fetlock strap, so they look good imho

http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/leg_protection/stretch__flex_training_wraps/

I had a look at the sun chaps but I'd be surprised if these stay on any horse who does anything other than stand in the field:

http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/sun_protection/equi-chaps_sun_protect_chaps/

They look very loose fitting. I had some Hardy Chaps that fitted like that, and they lasted precisely 20 minutes before getting trashed beyond repair.

Anyone tried these?

 

[nelliefinellie]

Thanks for all the suggestions - I have also come accross sportabac turn out socks - anyone tried these?

http://www.stockleyonline.co.uk/Merchant...egory_Code=1149

 

[brightmount]

Sportabacs are neoprene so they will make the leg sweat in summer. They are also rubbish at staying in place. I don't use them but the horse in the next box does and regularly comes in with half a sportabac, and the other half in the field somewhere!

 

[RachelB]

I would imagine the Sportabac ones are better than the SMBs as they are lighter, but not nearly as breathable as the Equilibriums. TBH the Equilibriums aren't that much more expensive so I'd say buy them! Not that I'm biased or anything having bought them myself!